Chapter 19: Warm Intership!

Kaina and Itachi were on patrol, walking side by side through the quiet streets. As they moved, Kaina couldn't help but glance at him occasionally, her thoughts drifting. The moonlight highlighted the calm, almost ethereal aura surrounding him, and the way he carried himself made her wonder what lay beneath that composed exterior. As they walked in silence, she finally spoke up, curiosity tugging at her.

"Your outfit…" she began, stealing a glance at his cloak. "It's really unique. Most people wear skin-tight suits, but yours is loose… it suits you, though," she added, her cheeks flushing slightly at the compliment.

Itachi smiled softly and nodded. "Thank you. It's very comfortable," he said, glancing down at the black cloak with its red clouds. "It also helps hide my movements."

Kaina nodded, a small smile playing on her lips as she looked forward again. "I get it… stealth and efficiency."

Their conversation was cut short when Itachi's eyes narrowed. Ahead, he saw a few suspicious men slipping into a store. Without a word, his entire demeanor shifted. "Kaina," he murmured, his voice low. "Did you see them?"

Kaina's voice became serious as she responded. "Yes, I noticed." Her gaze sharpened as she caught sight of the men. "Don't use your quirk, Itachi," she advised quickly.

He nodded. "Don't worry."

As they approached the store quietly, Itachi's senses remained alert. Inside, they could hear the commotion. Three men stood in front of the counter, guns aimed at the terrified shopkeeper.

"Give me all the money! If you don't, you're dead! Did you hear me?!" one of the robbers shouted, his voice dripping with malice. The shopkeeper, shaking with fear, subtly reached for the alarm hidden beneath the counter. But before he could press it, one of the robbers noticed and slammed his gun against the man's face, sending him reeling back.

"I told you not to act smart," the robber sneered, raising his gun to finish the job. "Now you're finished—"

Before he could pull the trigger, a bullet from Kaina's sniper quirk whizzed through the air, striking his hand with precision. The gun clattered to the floor as he howled in pain.

The robbers turned, eyes wide, only to see Kaina standing at the doorway, her sniper aimed directly at them. "Lower your weapons, now," she demanded, her voice cold and commanding.

Beside her, Itachi stood still, his intense gaze fixed on the criminals, radiating a quiet yet terrifying power.

One of the robbers, clutching his injured hand, smirked despite the pain. "You think I'm scared of you? I've got a semi-automatic gun," he snarled, leveling his weapon at them. "Both of you are dead!"

As the men prepared to fire, Itachi moved in a blur of speed, throwing kunai with deadly accuracy. The blades struck their hands, forcing them to drop their weapons with pained cries. They screamed, clutching their injuries as fear overtook their earlier bravado.

Kaina and Itachi moved in, their presence overwhelming. The men, now trembling, could do nothing but stare in terror as the two heroes towered over them. Kaina glanced at the shopkeeper, who was still visibly shaken but alive. Her eyes fell on some ropes behind the counter, and without hesitation, she grabbed them and swiftly bound the robbers together.

As the police and other heroes arrived on the scene, Kaina handed the criminals over with a sense of satisfaction. She turned to Itachi, her expression a mix of pride and relief. The day had been a success, and they had worked together seamlessly.

Itachi, as always, remained quiet, but there was a subtle nod of acknowledgment between them—an unspoken understanding that they made a formidable team.

As the police arrived and took control of the scene, one particular hero made his way into the store—Best Jeanist. His sharp eyes landed on Itachi, and after a moment of observation, recognition sparked in his expression.

"I've seen that face before…" Best Jeanist murmured, before his eyes widened slightly. "Are you… Itachi Yaoyorozu?"

Itachi, with his usual calm, nodded. "Yes, I am."

Best Jeanist's gaze lingered on him for a moment longer, taking in the sight of Lady Nagant standing beside him. "So, you've chosen her agency, huh?" he said, his tone warm but filled with a sense of nostalgia.

Itachi glanced at Kaina, who was staring at the symbol on the back of his cloak, clearly lost in thought. Turning back to Best Jeanist, he simply nodded again. "Yes."

The veteran hero smiled, a soft and knowing expression crossing his face. "You've grown a lot, Itachi. It's good to see you."

Itachi met his gaze, his eyes reflecting a quiet strength. "Thank you."

Kaina, still processing everything, stepped forward then, her face lighting up with a mix of awe and excitement. "You're Best Jeanist… I can't believe I'm actually seeing you here," she said, her voice carrying a hint of admiration.

Best Jeanist smiled graciously. "You've done good work, Lady Nagant. And it seems you've got a very capable comrade in Yaoyorozu." He glanced back at Itachi, giving him a respectful nod.

Kaina's face flushed slightly at the praise, and she smiled softly. "Yes, I do."

Best Jeanist's eyes flickered toward the red locket around Itachi's neck, and his smile faltered for a moment, replaced by a sympathetic expression. "I'm sorry, Yaoyorozu… for what happened. If I had been there in time, maybe I could have—"

Before he could finish, Itachi interrupted him, his voice steady but laced with quiet sadness. "It's okay. It wasn't your fault."

Kaina, watching the exchange, could sense the underlying emotions between them—regret, sorrow, and an understanding that only those who had experienced loss could share. She chose to stay silent, sensing that this was not a moment for words.

After a brief silence, Itachi turned to Kaina. "We should go."

Kaina, still caught in the emotions of the moment, nodded. "Yes, let's head back."

Best Jeanist gave them a final nod. "Thank you for your help today."

Kaina smiled softly and nodded in return, while Itachi, as composed as ever, stepped forward to leave. Kaina followed close behind him, glancing once more at Best Jeanist as they exited, her thoughts lingering on the quiet sadness she had witnessed between the two men.

As they walked away from the scene, the weight of the conversation settled between them, though neither spoke. They continued on in silence, the night around them calm but filled with the unspoken connection they shared.

As the patrolling came to an end, Itachi turned to Kaina and said, "I'll be leaving now."

Kaina raised an eyebrow, curiosity in her voice as she asked, "Where are you going?"

"Home," Itachi replied simply, his tone neutral as always.

Kaina blinked, then chuckled lightly. "I think you forgot something… Interns stay at the agency for a month. You're supposed to live here during that time."

Itachi paused for a moment, remembering the rules. "I know," he admitted, then added with a sigh, "but I don't have any spare clothes with me."

Kaina smirked playfully, "You can call home for that, you know."

He sighed again, considering. "Are you sure?"

She nodded confidently. "I've already arranged a room for you in the agency," she said, trying to sound casual, though there was a hint of excitement behind her words. "It's ready, so no need to worry about anything else."

Itachi smiled faintly, appreciating her efforts. "Okay… thank you."

Then, a thought crossed his mind. "What about you?" he asked, expecting her to head home for the night.

To his surprise, Kaina blushed slightly and replied, "I'll be staying too."

Itachi froze for a moment, taken aback by her response. "What?"

Her blush deepened, and she quickly turned her face away, clearly embarrassed. "Yes… I'll stay here too," she repeated, her voice wavering as her emotions got the better of her.

The realization that they'd both be staying in the same building for the next month hit Itachi, and he tried to keep his composure, though he could feel a slight blush creeping up his cheeks as well. Kaina, on the other hand, was doing her best to hide her face as her mind raced, imagining the two of them under the same roof.

"It's no big deal," she stammered, her words coming out in a rush. "I-I mean, you can call it home if you want, for the next month… I-I'll stay here to make sure everything goes smoothly."

Itachi let out a soft sigh, knowing that Kaina was clearly flustered but trying her best to remain professional. His own calm demeanor faltered just slightly as he reached for his phone, the tension between them lingering in the air.

"If you don't mind, I'll call home… for my clothes," he said, his voice steady despite the slight flush in his cheeks.

Kaina, still blushing furiously, nodded. "Y-Yes, of course… Go ahead."

As he made the call, Kaina stood nearby, her thoughts swirling with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. She couldn't help but wonder what the next month would bring, and the idea of being in such close quarters with Itachi only fueled her emotions further.

Meanwhile, Itachi kept his focus on the call

As Itachi dialed home, the phone rang for a few seconds before his mother's familiar voice came through.

"Hello, Itachi dear! How's everything going?"

"Mother," Itachi responded, his voice as calm as ever. "I need you to send me some clothes. I'll be staying at the agency for a month during my internship."

There was a pause on the other end before his mother let out a dramatic gasp. "What? A whole month?" she exclaimed, a hint of playful exaggeration in her voice. "How can I live without my baby for that long?"

Itachi's expression softened, a small smile tugging at his lips. His mother's playful antics were something he had grown accustomed to, but they never failed to amuse him.

"Mother, I'll be fine," he reassured her.

His mother, ignoring his calm tone, continued in a teasing manner. "But who will remind you to change into clean clothes? And don't forget to wash your underwear properly! You're such a busy hero now, but that doesn't mean you can skip out on the basics!"

Itachi sighed lightly, knowing this was part of her usual routine whenever he left home for an extended period. "I'll manage, Mother."

"Oh, and what about food? Are you eating enough? You know how important it is to stay healthy and strong, especially during training!"

"Yes, Mother."

She paused for a moment before adding, in a more serious tone, "I'll send your clothes right away. But remember, Itachi... if you do something... you know, please use pro—"

"Okay, thanks, Mother" Itachi said quickly, cutting her off mid-sentence and ending the call before she could finish. His cheeks were slightly flushed as he put his phone away.

Kaina, who had been standing just a few feet away, had heard every word of the conversation. Her face turned a deep shade of red at the last comment, especially the part about using protection. She blinked, trying to suppress a giggle but failing miserably. Her eyes widened as she processed it.

"Pro…?" she stammered, looking away to avoid eye contact. Her heart raced, and her blush deepened as the implication of Itachi's mother's words sank in. "Wow, um… your mom is… really something," she mumbled, clearly flustered.

Itachi cleared his throat, trying to regain his composure. "She just worries too much," he said, brushing it off.

Kaina nodded, still blushing but with a small smile on her face. "Yeah, I… can see that. But… I mean, it's sweet she cares so much," she added, trying to ease the awkwardness between them.

Itachi gave her a small smile in return. "Yeah, she is... something."

The two stood there for a moment in an awkward but oddly comfortable silence, the tension from the phone call lingering, but the warmth of the moment making it a little easier to bear.

As they sat in the quiet agency room, Kaina hesitated before speaking up, her voice soft but curious. "So, I want to ask you something if you don't mind…"

Itachi, sensing the weight behind her words, sighed slightly. "You mean the moment with Best Jeanist," he said, meeting her gaze with calm eyes that held a trace of sadness.

She nodded slowly, studying his expression. His face was composed, as usual, but there was a deep sorrow behind his eyes. "If you don't want to talk about it, it's okay…" Kaina offered gently, feeling her heart ache at seeing him like this.

Itachi shook his head. "No, it's okay. You're my friend, so… it's fine." He paused, collecting his thoughts before speaking again. "He was talking about someone important. Not a maid, really. She was a part of my family. Her name was Erika... she was about 33 or 34 when it happened." His voice was steady, but there was a heaviness to it.

Kaina listened intently, her heart tightening as she watched the subtle shift in his demeanor. "What happened?" she asked quietly, sensing this was painful for him to relive.

"We were at the hospital for Momo's quirk test," Itachi explained, his voice growing quieter. "Erika had gone out to buy me a birthday present. But as she was coming back to the mansion... some thugs approached her. They shot her... in the chest." His eyes darkened with the memory, the sadness in them deepening.

Kaina's breath caught, her eyes widening with shock. "That's... horrible…" she whispered, feeling a lump in her throat. She could see how much Erika had meant to him.

Itachi unclasped the locket around his neck and held it out to her. "This… is the last thing I have from her," he said softly, his fingers brushing over the surface of the locket.

Kaina took a closer look at the locket, noticing the intricate design that bore a resemblance to his Sharingan. She blinked, her heart heavy. "It's similar to your eyes…" she murmured.

Itachi gave her a sad smile. "Yes… it was a gift. Something she thought would suit me."

Kaina's heart ached for him, seeing the depth of his loss. She didn't know how to comfort him fully, but she wanted to ease the tension somehow. "Itachi… I'm really sorry," she said, her voice full of compassion.

Itachi nodded silently, appreciating her empathy.

Kaina felt a slight ache in her chest as the earlier conversation lingered, so she decided to shift the mood. With a soft smile, she asked, "What would you like to eat? I was thinking... I could cook something for you."

Itachi looked at her with a gentle expression, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "That sounds nice. I'd be happy to help."

Kaina quickly waved her hands, her cheeks reddening slightly. "No, no! You don't have to help. I want to cook for you."

Itachi chuckled softly, his eyes warm. "I insist. We can cook together."

Kaina's blush deepened, but she smiled. "Alright, if you say so."

They both made their way to the kitchen, and Kaina opened the fridge, staring at the chicken breasts inside. As she stood there, her mind raced. She had offered to cook, but truth be told, she wasn't exactly skilled in the kitchen.

"I said I'd cook, but... I don't really know how to," Kaina thought sheepishly, turning toward Itachi with an embarrassed look.

Itachi, observing her hesitation, smiled gently. "So, you don't know how to cook?"

Kaina flinched, her face turning even redder. She lowered her gaze, feeling a bit exposed. "Yeah... cooking isn't really my thing," she muttered.

Sensing her discomfort, Itachi kept his tone light. "You don't need to worry about that."

Kaina perked up, her blush still present. "I can just order something instead, how about that?"

But Itachi shook his head with a calm smile. "That won't be necessary."

He then glanced toward the apron hanging on the wall and grabbed it, slipping it on with practiced ease. "I'll cook. You just sit back and relax."

Kaina's eyes widened in surprise. "Are you sure?"

With a reassuring smile, Itachi nodded. "Yes. I've got this."

Reluctantly, she took a seat at the kitchen counter, her gaze never leaving him. "Alright," she said, her voice tinged with a mix of admiration and curiosity. "I'll be the judge then."

Itachi's smile grew slightly, amused by her words. "Deal."

Itachi began preparing the meal with a sense of purpose, his movements calm and efficient as he took out two chicken breasts. Kaina stood beside him, her eyes following each of his steps with growing admiration. She watched him place flour, eggs, and Panko breadcrumbs in three shallow bowls, whisking the eggs with a bit of water. When he sliced the chicken breasts into four pieces, turning them into cutlets, Kaina couldn't help but smile softly. He's really good at this, she thought, her heart fluttering as she realized how dependable he was.

As Itachi dredged each cutlet in flour, then egg, and finally Panko, Kaina noticed the care he took with each step. He pressed the breadcrumbs onto any spots that weren't fully coated, making sure each cutlet was evenly covered before setting them aside. She found herself leaning against the counter, watching him work with a slight blush on her cheeks. He's not just skilled, he's... perfect, she mused, her thoughts wandering as she glanced at him.

Itachi heated some vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil was hot, he carefully lowered two of the cutlets into the pan, positioning them so no oil would splash near Kaina. He gently shook the pan, ensuring the oil rolled over the tops of the cutlets. Kaina couldn't help but admire the way he moved, his concentration unwavering. He's so capable, she thought, her blush deepening. She felt her heart race a little faster, something she had never felt before.

While Itachi focused on frying the cutlets, he noticed Kaina watching him closely. He glanced at her with a soft smile. "Is there anything else I can make? Like rice?" he asked, his tone casual yet kind.

Kaina blinked, snapping out of her thoughts, her face feeling warm. "Oh, yeah. Look behind you; there's a rice cooker. It's easy to use," she replied quickly, trying to sound composed.

As Itachi turned to inspect the rice cooker, Kaina added, "Actually, I'll handle it."

He smiled at her offer. "Are you sure? I can manage."

Kaina quickly shook her head, her blush deepening. "No, no! I insist," she said, almost too quickly. She couldn't let him do everything. Besides, she needed to clear her mind from the thoughts swirling around her.

Itachi nodded, accepting her offer, and turned back to the cutlets. Kaina busied herself with measuring the rice and water, setting the timer on the cooker. As she worked, she couldn't stop sneaking glances at him. His calm, steady presence was magnetic. She tried to focus, but her thoughts betrayed her—He's so thoughtful, so capable... How is he like this?

When the rice cooker beeped, signaling it was done, Kaina let out a small breath of relief, as if the sound had broken the tension in her chest. "Rice is ready!" she said, trying to sound cheerful.

Itachi glanced at the rice, nodding approvingly. "It looks perfect. Thanks for handling that," he said with genuine appreciation.

Kaina chuckled, though her heart was pounding. "You can thank me later when you taste it," she teased lightly, trying to mask the feelings that were growing stronger by the minute.

Itachi plated the rice alongside the crispy, golden cutlets, drizzling a light sauce over each piece with the same care he'd put into cooking them. He brought everything to the dining table, while Kaina carried the plates. As they sat down, she inhaled deeply, the delicious aroma filling the room.

"It smells amazing," Kaina said softly, though her heart was hammering louder than ever.

As they started eating, Kaina couldn't help but glance at Itachi, who was calm and composed as always, savoring the meal. But for her, it wasn't just the food that filled her with warmth—it was being near him, sharing this simple yet intimate moment. Her gaze lingered on him longer than usual, and she felt a flutter in her chest.

He's everything, she thought. Perfect... caring, strong, kind. She lowered her eyes to her plate, trying to calm the storm of emotions within her. But there was no denying it any longer. It was more than admiration, more than a crush.

I'm in love with Itachi... she admitted to herself, her heart swelling with a mix of joy and fear.

After they finished eating, Kaina leaned back in her chair, a small smile on her face. "I think you should rest," she said gently. "Tomorrow, we have more hero work to do."

Itachi nodded with a calm smile. "Yes, you're right," he replied, appreciating her concern.

Kaina stood up and motioned toward the hallway. "Come on, I'll show you to your room."

Just as they were about to leave the kitchen, the doorbell rang. Itachi paused. "I think my clothes have arrived."

He walked to the door and opened it to find his driver standing there with a bag of neatly folded clothes. Itachi took the bag with a polite smile. "Thank you," he said, to which the driver nodded with a smile of his own before heading back.

Kaina, standing by the hallway, grinned. "Great timing. Now I'll show you your room."

They walked down the corridor to a modest yet cozy room. A simple bed sat by the window, a desk and a small cupboard nearby. The blue mat on the floor added a soft touch to the space. Kaina gestured toward it. "It's simple, but it should be comfortable."

Itachi stepped inside, setting his bag on the floor. He smiled warmly, looking around. "It's perfect. Thank you."

He sat down on the bed, testing the comfort. Kaina lingered by the door, her heart racing for reasons she couldn't explain. Unwillingly, she said, "Ah, I'll go to my room now…"

Itachi glanced up, noticing her slight hesitation. "Okay," he replied, his voice gentle.

Kaina took a breath, her voice soft as she added, "If you need anything… the room across from you is mine. You can knock if you want."

Itachi nodded, his expression calm and reassuring. "I will. Good night, Kaina."

"Good night," she whispered with a shy smile before closing the door behind her.

Alone in the room, Itachi took a deep breath, looking around once more. The space was quiet, peaceful. He smiled to himself, appreciating the simple comfort. It's not too bad, he thought, feeling a rare sense of ease.

He opened his bag, pulling out the fresh clothes his driver had brought. After changing, he lay down on the bed, the cool fabric of the sheets relaxing him. As he stared up at the ceiling, his thoughts drifted to the events of the day, but one thought lingered more than the rest—Kaina. Her shy smiles, the way she tried to hide her blush, her concern for him.

A soft smile formed on his lips as he closed his eyes, letting sleep slowly take over. Kaina... he thought, the warmth in his chest growing as he drifted off into a peaceful slumber.

Kaina lay in her bed, her face buried in her pillow as her mind raced. Her heart was pounding, and she could barely control the flood of emotions rushing through her. Itachi... His name echoed in her thoughts. Every time she tried to push it away, it came back stronger.

She rolled over, hugging her pillow tighter as she whispered to herself, "I'm in love... I'm in love with him..." It was a realization she had tried to ignore, but now it felt undeniable. She replayed the moments they spent together in her head—the way he smiled at her, his calm demeanor, the care in his eyes.

Many people have tried to get close to me, she thought, remembering all the offers she had rejected in the past. Men who admired her strength, her beauty, her skills as a hero. But none of them had made her feel like this. None of them made her heart race the way Itachi did.

But why now? she wondered. A mixture of happiness and fear swirled inside her. The joy of realizing her feelings was quickly overshadowed by a growing dread. What if he doesn't feel the same way?

Her thoughts spiraled. What if he rejects me? What if... he doesn't love me back? The fear gripped her tightly, making her stomach twist. She had never been so vulnerable, so uncertain. She had always been strong, confident in her abilities as a hero, but when it came to her feelings for Itachi, she felt exposed, like a part of her heart was laid bare.

Kaina pressed her face deeper into the pillow, trying to shake off the fear. But no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't stop thinking about him. His gentle smile, the way he spoke to her, his kindness. He's perfect, she thought, her heart aching with longing.

She sighed, closing her eyes and trying to calm her racing thoughts. I'm in love with Itachi... The truth of it echoed in her mind, and despite the fear, there was also a flicker of hope. A part of her believed that maybe, just maybe, Itachi might feel the same.

Kaina lay there, her heart still pounding as her thoughts swirled. She knew she couldn't keep this inside forever. I have to tell him... I have to convey my feelings to him, she decided. The more she thought about Itachi, the more determined she became. There was no turning back now.

At the end of the internship, she told herself. I will say it. I'll tell him how I feel.

Her mind played out the moment—standing in front of Itachi, looking into his eyes, and confessing everything. The thought filled her with both excitement and dread. I don't know the outcome… and I don't care, she reassured herself. I love him... That truth burned brighter than any fear she had.

Even if Itachi rejected her, even if he didn't feel the same, it didn't change how she felt. Even if he doesn't love me back... I'll still love him. I'll always love him.

A sad smile spread across her face at the thought. She knew the risk, the possibility of heartache, but in this moment, it didn't matter. What mattered was that her feelings were real, and she had to be true to them, no matter the outcome.

With her heart full of emotion and her mind finally at peace with her decision, Kaina felt the weight lift from her chest. The fear was still there, lingering in the background, but it no longer controlled her. She sighed softly, her body finally relaxing as the thoughts slowed.

With one last look at the ceiling, she whispered, "I'll tell him…" and then, slowly, she drifted into sleep, her thoughts of Itachi carrying her into a dream.